Participatory Observation

Early in my trip to Asia I decided that I'd do what anthropologists call "participatory observation". This is where the anthropologist drops everything and immerses themselves into the daily lives of the local people. Its the scientific way of saying "When in Rome, do what the Romans do."

In Japan, this translated into drinking Japanese tea, sleeping on the floor, and bathing by splashing oneself with pails of water (freestanding shower stalls are unpopular). Furthermore, I felt it was important to be open to all local cuisine, to be willing to try all kinds of food regardless of their nature. And so, I have temperorily abandoned my environmental ethics by foregoing a vegetarian diet. This has become particularly necessary in Thailand.

In Bangkok, I eat Thai food off the street and barter for Thai clothes. I learned that taxis, motorcycles, and motorcycle-taxis rule the streets and stray dogs were considerably higher on the food chain than humans (NEVER approach a Thai dog, particularly a bitch in heat). I am perfectly aware of the death rate of motorcyclists in Bangkok (about 5 a day), but I ride them anyway.

All in all, I think I've been a good amateur anthropologist. I had directly participated in Japanese and Thai culture on a personal, every-day level...

There was only one thing I will not do.

(To be continued)